Likely, you have heard of social media web sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace and Classmates. Though the intended (and actual) audiences for each vary, all exist as a means of connecting with the people and things that make you “you.” For instance, love a certain brand of potato chips? Become a fan on Facebook, tweet about it on Twitter, and connect to the CEO (if he’ll have you) in LinkedIn.

As a reader of Process Heating, you also may want to connect with the magazine -- and you can, in several ways. Become a fan of Process Heating on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ProcessHeating. While there, feel free to add me as a friend as well by visiting www.facebook.com/editorlbecker. Both the magazine page and my profile are updated regularly with news, links, related stories and other items, so there’s always something different to read about.

If you prefer your social media in more digestible bites, there’s also Twitter. Join Process Heating’s growing number of followers and read my tweets about topics such as industry news, innovative products or free webinars. If you use Twitter, tweet me any time at @ProcessHeating. If you don’t, simply visit twitter.com/ProcessHeating to view my most recent tweets.

We’re also introducing Microsoft’s Mobile Tags to connect our print pages -- yes, the paper and ink pages -- directly to our web site. Want to try it? The reader works on most current smart phones, including Windows Mobile (5.5 and above), iPhone, Blackberry, Symbian and J2ME. Also, you’ll need to download and install the application at http://gettag.mobi. Once you’re ready, turn to our Contents page and look for the colorful tag that look sort of like a bar code. Simply open the camera on your phone and direct it at the tag so it shows in the screen. Voila! Your phone’s browser will take you to Process Heating’s web site.

A growing number of businesses are using the tags to connect printed material with online resources such as web sites, videos and surveys. Once you have the app, look around, and you may begin to notice the colorful tags in many places, such as billboards, menus and more. Any company can use the tags, so consider how it might help your company as well.

Linda Becker, Associate Publisher and Editor, BeckerL@bnpmedia.com